EPA to Fund Air Quality Improvement Projects at Ports

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Request for Proposals to allocate $4 million for air quality projects at ocean and inland ports under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The RFP homepage and related information are attached here.

The EPA anticipates awarding funds to public port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality at ocean or inland ports. Although private entities are not eligible, they may partner with eligible port authorities on projects. EPA, according to the RFP will fund, at various percentage levels, the following types of projects:

- Exhaust Control Technologies
- Certified Engine Upgrades
- Engine Idle Reduction Technologies
- Certified Engine Repower
- Vehicle Replacement (non-road diesel vehicles/drayage trucks)
- Clean Alternative Fuel Conversions

The potential funding does not apply to already mandated emission reductions for certain locomotive and marine engines. (see RFP at pg. 2). Proposals are due February 13, 2014.

Bi-Partisan Chemical Safety Bill Introduced In Senate

Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and David Vitter (R-LA) announced a bi-partisan agreement to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) yesterday. As explained in the attached Press Release, under the Safe Chemicals Act of 2013, the EPA will be given new tools to test and evaluate existing chemicals for safety, and new chemicals before they enter the market. Highlights of the proposed changes to the TCSA are: an evaluation of all chemicals in active commerce as either "high" or "low" potential risk to human health and the environment; EPA is given authority to take action if a chemical is found to be unsafe, ranging from labeling requirements to banning or phasing out of use of a chemical; EPA will be required to assess risks posed to children and pregnant women when evaluating chemicals; and, State and local governments will have input on safety assessment and prioritization of chemical evaluation. The Bill, S. 696 attached here, has broad bi-partisan support in addition to the main sponsors, including Senators Gillibrand (D-NY), Crapo (R-ID), Durbin (D-IL), Alexander (R-TN), Schumer (D-NY), Inhofe (R-OK), Rubio (D-FL), and Manchin (D-WV), among the 14 additional sponsors.